Meg Lanning takes indefinite break from cricket, will not play in The Hundred

The Australia captain, who led her side to Commonwealth Games gold in Birmingham last week, announced her decision on Wednesday. She has received the full support of Cricket Australia

Meg Lanning is to step away from cricket for an indefinite period of leave.

The Australia captain, who led her side to Commonwealth Games gold in Birmingham last week, announced her decision on Wednesday. She has received the full support of Cricket Australia.

Lanning has been Australia skipper for eight years, during which time she has led her team to become the dominant force in global women's cricket. However, the demands of the job - and the relentless nature of touring during a pandemic - have evidently taken their toll.

"After a busy couple of years, I've made the decision take a step back to enable me to spend time focusing on myself," she said in a statement.

^{Meg Lanning is taking an indefinite break from cricket [Alex Davidson/Getty Images]}

"I'm grateful for the support of CA and my teammates and ask that my privacy is respected during this time."

Lanning was due to play for Trent Rockets in The Hundred but will no longer take part in the competition. 

A Rockets statement read: "We're naturally disappointed that Meg won't be playing for us this year, but she has our total support as she takes a break from cricket. We wish her all the best. The rest of the Rockets women's team are excited to get their Hundred season under way on Saturday, and we'll announce details of a replacement for Meg in due course."

Australia's women are not currently scheduled to play again until January, when they face Pakistan, while the T20 World Cup is slated for February in South Africa.

Before that, though, comes the WBBL. Lanning's involvement, with Melbourne Stars, is unclear at this stage. The tournament is due to get under way in October. 

^{Lanning won gold at the Commonwealth Games last week [Getty Images]}

Shawn Fledgler, the Cricket Australia head of women's cricket performance, has pledged the governing body's full backing to Lanning.

"We're proud of Meg for acknowledging that she needs a break and will continue to support her during this time," he said.

"She's been an incredible contributor to Australian cricket over the last decade, achieving remarkable feats both individually and as part of the team, and has been a brilliant role model for young kids.

"The welfare of our players is always our No.1 priority, and we'll continue to work with Meg to ensure she gets the support and space she needs."

Related Topics

• Trent Boult released from New Zealand contract: "Family has always been the biggest motivator"